I'm a second year at NJMS right now and I really like it there. The thing that I like the best is the students. Everyone gets along really really well and is always willing to help each other out, school wise or not. I've heard way too many stories of schools where people just care about themselves and even go out of their way to propel themselves at the expense of others. At NJMS I personally guarantee that that doesn't happen. Not only are people friendly, but people are genuine friends to be had. Not clique-ish at all.
Aside from that, we start out clinical exposure in the first couple weeks. That means you're actually seeing, speaking with, helping with patients from day 1 (or maybe 14). There are few schools that offer that.
I also wanted to comment on what people said about being close to family. I agree that family is very important but, for me at least, not a necessity of having close proximity during med school. For instance, now that I'm very close by my fmaily expects to see me quite often (at least once a week) and doesn't quite "get" the demands that med school bestows on you. Again, to each his own.
Finally, the cost difference between the schools is HUGE! NJMS is around 23K and Albany is in the high 30'sK. I don't know about you, but a 50K difference isn't anything to scoff at.
Best of luck with your decision and maybe I'll be seeing you around NJMS.
